Snow forecast maps show 450-mile ‘Beast from the East’ bringing -11C ‘Arctic chill’ | Weather | News
As the prospect of a white Christmas looks increasingly remote, snow could be on the way in the early days of 2026. Significant snow could fall across much of the UK on January 2 as it approaches the country from the east, according to new weather data from WXCharts.com.
Snow expected across Scotland Cold weather is expected to help snow in northern England from noon onwards settle We will see on the morning of January 3 below freezing Temperatures across the UK make snow more likely to settle and stick around. According to WXCharts.com, temperatures will reach -3C in parts of southern England, while in Scotland it could drop to -11C.
Data shows snow depths could be as much as six inches in some areas, particularly in the north of Scotland.
Elsewhere, snow could fall in excess of 10mm per hour in Dundee, Glasgow and Newcastle; Scotland and much of Northern England are likely to be affected.
The Met Office warns that snow forecasting can be difficult, especially weeks in advance; all due to a variety of factors that can change at short notice and require snow instead of rain.
Their long-term forecast for Thursday, December 25 to Saturday, January 3 is as follows: “Mostly stable conditions are expected to continue as high pressure builds across the north of the UK. This will cause wind from the east and then the north-east to strengthen over the period, with wind chills making it feel colder.”
“Although the weather will be quite dry, a few showers will still be possible, especially in the east and south, which may be wintry in places, especially at higher altitudes.
“As we approach the new year, high pressure will dominate the air and slowly drift westward.
“This will maintain largely stable conditions, although there is an increased chance of showers later in the period.
“Temperatures will be below average most of the time, with frost likely where clear skies and light winds prevail.”
The snowy weather forecast will come too late for those hoping for a white Christmas, and current forecasts suggest this is unlikely.
For the Met Office to declare a ‘white Christmas’, a single snowflake must be observed falling by an official Met Office observer or the Met Office automatic weather station during the 24 hours of 25 December.
Because it needs to be officially verified, both for our climate records and to ensure consistency and accuracy.
The agency notes that it can accurately predict the likelihood of snow on any given Christmas Day up to five days in advance, and that current forecasts indicate that cold temperatures and rain are more likely to occur.
